LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 433 507 7 



THE ALAMO. 



A PATRIOTIC ADDRESS 



DEDICATED TO THE MEMOKY OF OUll FALLEN HEROES 



OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC IN THE HOPE THAT IT MAY ASSIST 

THE DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC 

IN THEIR WORTHY EFP'ORTS 

TO REDEEM THP: GROUNDS WHICH DRANK THE BLOOD OF THE 

IMMORTAL BAND OF PATRIOTS WHO GAVE TO THE 

WORLD ITS GREATEST DISPLAY OF HEROISM. 



Copyrighted 1904 by 

W. H. BALDWIN, 

The Author. 



LI BRAKY oT CONGRESS] 
Two C»ples r?eci»ivec) 

MAR I 1904 

.' cC 



1 r V 

XXc. No. 



7 boh i i 






The Alamo. 



?W\ay we increase our fund of useful 

^ ' ' "■•-'' Knowledge and receive inspiration from a 
retrospect of the past? Are the fires of pat- 
riotism yet aglow upon our hearthstones, and is there a call to be 
made to which he who loves his country will lend a listening ear? 
Who are the patriots who wrote their names among the shining 
orbs of living light and left to us a heritage of priceless value, the 
story of whose life is told in acts and works more startling than 
the deeds of all the imaginary heroes of all the realms of fiction? 

My friends, in speaking to you this evening of our early 
history and recounting the salient facts leading up to and immedi- 
ately succeeding the fall of the Alamo, resulting in the inde- 
pendence of Texas, startling though they may be ; I speak the 
Vv-ords of truth, appealing to the great heart of my countrymen to 
be just, giving "unto Caesar the things that be Caesar's, and unto 
God the things that be God's." 

The best lessons in statesmanship, the profoundest truths re- 
lating to the philosophy of life, are found locked and laid away 
in hitory's urn ; and happy is he who gleans therefrom and garners 
up, the rich treasure, therein for him preserved. 

A Terra Incognito. 

Allow me to say, as late as the year 1805 the vast domain 
of Texas was practically an unknown land, fenced only by the 
sloping sky ; untouched by the hand of true civilization and un- 
thrilled by the music of progress. Some feeble attempts to settle 
and improve the country had been made, it is true, but they were 
in no sense successful. 

I think it was in the year 1730 the Governor General of 
Coahuila and Texas reported to the King of Spain the utter 
impracticability of peopling this vast territory by the eflE^orts of 
priests and soldiers. (This was, and I believe is yet, the European 



_o 

plan.) He petitioned the King for 400 families to be settled 
in Texas, supported or aided by the government until they should 
become self-sustaining. Sixteen families from the Canary Islands 
and a few from Mexico were secured. Something was wrong, 
however, and this enterprise proved a failure. 

In the year 1820 the King of Spain ordered the Ayuntamiento 
of the municipality of San Antonio to make to him an official 
report of the conditions in Texas. Listen to the impressive lan- 
guage of that solemn report ! Among other things it says : "Since 
1813 this country (Texas), has advanced with astonishing rapid- 
ity toward poverty and ruin, owing to the increasing hostility of 
savage tribes and the! recklessness and violence of our own troops. 
These troops have drained the country of its resources. What 
the revolution has left us, and the wild Indians have failed to 
wrest from us our own soldiery have appropriated ; and to the 
people but little remains but destitution, nakedness and hunger. 

Sad and sorrowful is the picture here presented, but it is the 
truth of history and without it our story would be incomplete. By 
its recital we should be warned, my friends, of the hidden dangers 
concealed in a system of colonization which must be upheld by 
force. 

What Progress Demands. 

The logic of events declares, and progress, at this time de- 
ciees, that the rights of man demand the presence of a new leader. 
He comes. A son of the revolution unexpectedly appears upon 
the scene. 

Moses Austin, a farseeing business man of the old New 
England stock, for the first time visits Texas, is charmed by the 
beauty of the landscape, profoundly impressed with its unmeasur- 
ed extent, its uncounted wealth and surpassing grandeur. Here 
he found an inviting field for the exercise of his genius and a 
glorious opportunity for the amelioration — the betterment of the 
condition of mankind. Here was a land of promise without a 
people which only awaited the magic touch of civilization to con- 
vert a trackless waste into a perpetual garden where the flowers 
of civilization should ever bloom; where the bells of peace were 



wont to ring- and over which the stars, in obedience to recognized 
law, in perpetual harmony would sweetly sing. On this trip he 
perfected an agreement w-ith tlie Mexican government, under 
which he had the right to settle 300 x^merican families in Texas, 
whose rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were 
guaranteed under that government. It was winter. Mr. Austin 
was physically frail. The trip to his ]\Iissouri home from Texas 
w^as long and perilous : and in making which he endured much 
hardship and exposure from inclement weather, producing sick- 
ness, in the toils of which he lingered ; but from which he never 
recovered. Before his death, however, he crystalized his plans 
for the propagation of his colonies in Texas and left a dying re- 
quest to his son, Stephen F., to finish up the work which he had 
so wasely conceived and carefully planned. Stephen F. Austin 
was a brilliant representative of America's best young manhood. 
He at once entered on the work enjoined upon him by his father 
and the first American settlement in Texas was made under him 
in the year 1821. In all he settled 1200 families in this new land. 
JNIany families were likewise settled in Texas by other enterpris- 
ing leaders and under like compacts with the Mexican government 
for the protection of the rights and liberties of the colonists. 

A Dangerous Voyage. 

Fearful was the risk and tremendous the responsibility which 
these people were taking! Cutting loose their ship of life from 
its peaceful moorings, protected by the safeguards of organized 
civilization, they were to sail on unknown sea and cast their 
anchors on its unprotected bosom. Arriving at their destination, the 
plucky colonists were not idle, for the wilderness must be subdued. 
Homes for their families must be supplied and provision for their 
sustenance and future must needs be made. Notwithstanding 
the many hardships and privations incident to their new" surround- 
ings they soon began to reap the promised reward for their labors. 
Their crops were* harvested in due season, their herds were multi- 
plying like Jacob's cattle, and the hum of industry was heard with 
rejoicing throughout the new land. It was not long before the 
fires then burning on the hearths of several thousand industrious, 
sturdy Americans in Texas proclaimed to the world that the wil- 



derness was about to be reclaimed and that ere long the proud 
banner of a happy civilization would wave in glory over the late 
trackless waste where the lonesome howl of the wild wolf and 
the fierce whoop of the untutored savage had mingled together, 
undisturbed by the rolling wave of coming civilization. 

Shall the bright hopes of those brave people be realized and 
they be allowed to follow the pursuits of peace in the land they 
were conquering by their industry ? Time will not allow me to 
detail the facts of history. That would be tiresome alike to you 
and me, but a brief outline thereof is necessary to enable us to 
comprehend the issue about to arise between the Mexican govern- 
ment (with which they had contracted and under which they 
were living), and the colonists of Texas. 

Listen. 
"When the clock strikes the hour hand points to the time of 
day; but no great hammer in the horologe of time peals through- 
out the universe to mark the passage from epoch to epoch," or 
to proclaim the advent of a new nation. And strange though it 
may seem, under the mysterious providence of God, almost every 
step in the evolution of government, almost every advance in the 
interest of human rights has been made at the sacrifice of blood 
and treasure. 

Now, important were the events taking place in Mexico as 
affecting the new colonies. She became an independent nation in 
the year 18^1, under what was known as the plan of Iguala by 
that government, and to which constitution, be it said to the ever- 
lasting honor of the American colonies, they were always loyal ; 
and when resort was had by them to arms the step was taken with 
reluctance, and only for the protection of their rights guaranteed 
under that constitution. 

Revolution after revolution was following each other in Mexico 
in rapid succession. The government was unstable; and it was 
found that constitutions formed no obstacle to the will of tyrants, 
in that unhappy country — America had taught the world a lesson 
— The American colonies in Texas loved freedom and hated tyr- 



_5— 

anny. Their fathers had unfurled the flag and established a gov- 
ernment of freedom in An.erica, and in the defense of the rights 
of man had fired a shot which had been heard around the world. 
The argument of kincs and tyrants had been met and refuted. The 
w^rld h-^d been taught a lesson in the philosophy of government. 
The patriots of the American revolution had had their Bunker 
Hill ; but unconquerable love of liberty had given them their York- 
town. The pioneers of Texas were perhaps the best versed in the 
history of their country of any people in the world ; and thorough- 
ly under.'^tcod the doctrine constituting the corner and capstones 
in the superstructure of their government. They were not to 
beconie an easy prey for the wicked rule of the oppressor. Coming 
to a wilderness they brought with them new thought and a new 
force ; and as a result of their sufferings and work new lustre 
was to be added to the world's achievements*. They seemed to be 
a chosen people sent to mark the passage of a new epoch and to 
teach the world a new lesson in the value of patriotism. Their lives 
and work stand out like a star of hope leading and inspiring to 
noble effort the struggling hosts of mankind. May their sublime 
works be known, appreciated and emulated by man in every 
country and every clime during coming ages. Reared under the 
banner of freedom, they loved its every fold. They had for their 
leaders men who were the very salt of the earth — descendants of 
the old puritan stock, imbued with their religious views, and having 
woven into their natures the same sturdy character. Austin was 
here, Burleson and Fannin were here, the noble "Davy" Crock- 
ett, yea. the dauntless Bowie and the matchless Travis, they 
were here. The towering statesman,. fearless soldier and military 
genius. Sam Houston, was here. The colonists were almost to a 
man a devoted band of worthy patriots. 

Sant.\ Anna. 
When, in 1824. General Santa Anna succeeded to the head of 
the Mexican government the colonists thought him honest and the 
friend of the constitution. They were not long deceived, however, 
for under him the government was oppressive and the demands 
upon colonists rapidly grew more and more unreasonaWe. They 
petitioner' the government in the most respectful terms, hurably 



— 6— 

praying for relief. Their representatives, sent to present their pe- 
titions, were imprisoned. They remonstrated. Their remonstrance 
was treated with contempt and their burdens made heavier. Taxes 
were made too grievous to be borne ; their ports were closed and 
soldiers were sent upon them with orders to take from them their 
arms — a trick of the tyrant well understood by every child of 
America. 

The colonists recognized endurance to be a virtue ; but they also 
believed that courage and honest self reliance were not only vir- 
tues to be practiced, but might become to them a panoply and 
shield. They believed that tyrants must not be criticised at all, or 
they must be met — resisted — repelled. 

The Crisis Comes. 

Early in 1835 these suffering patriots were brought to the 
realization of the appalling fact that war or the destruction of the 
colonies was inevitable. 

Now, view the situation for a moment. Ask yourselves the 
question. Could the country be placed upon a war footing? Had 
the colonists a government ? No ! An army ? No ! A navy ? No ! 
An unorganized band of patriots, with nothing to sustain them 
but thc'ir courage. This was all. Should they flee from the ap- 
proach of the well organized, trained and cruel hosts of Mexico? 
No, they preferred to fight, and if need be, die for their rights 
rather than tamely surrender that which was guaranteed them un- 
der their Constitution. Never did a braver band of worthy heroes 
prepare to meet a more heartless or cruel foe. Their greatest 
weakness in this awful hour was want of organization. They were 
good marksmen, inured to hardships, but had been too busy mak- 
ing homes to organize for war. Hastily the frame work of govern- 
iuent was attempted and officers were selected to administer it. 
vSam Houston was made commander in chief of the army — to be. 

Much danger was feared from the Cherokee Indians, as the 
enemy would doubtless undertake to effect an alliance with them 
and incite them to acts of violence against the colonies. It was 
thought to be absolutely essential that Houston, in person, ac- 



— 5— 

anny. Their fathers had unfurled the fiag and established a gov- 
ernment of freedom in An.erica, and in the defense of the rights 
of man had fired a shot which had been heard around the world. 
The argument of kin;, s and tyrants had been met and refuted. The 
world hrd been taught a lesson in the philosophy of government. 
The patriots of the American revolution had had their Bunker 
Hill ; but imconquerable love of liberty had given them their York- 
town. TIjc pioneers of Texas were perhaps the best versed in the 
history of their country of any people in the world ; and thorough- 
ly understood the doctrine constituting the corner and capstones 
in the superstructure of their government. They were not to 
become an easy prey for the wicked rule of the oppressor. Coming 
to a wilderness they brought with them new thought and a new 
force; and as a result of their sufferings and work new lustre 
was to be added to the world's achievements. They seemed to be 
a chosen people sent to mark the passage of a new epoch and to 
teach the world a new lesson in the value of patriotism. Their lives 
and work stand out like a star of hope leading and inspiring to 
noble efTort the struggling hosts of mankind. May their sublime . 
works be known, appreciated and emulated by man in every 
country and every clime during coming ages. Reared under the 
banner of freedom, they loved its every fold. They had for their 
leaders men who were the very salt of the earth — descendants of 
the old puritan stock, imbued with their religious views, and having 
woven into their natures the same sturdy character. Austin was 
here; Burleson and Fannin were here, the noble "Davy" Crock- 
ett, yea. the dauntless Bowie and the matchless Travis, they 
were here. The towering statesman, fearless soldier and military 
genius, Sam Houston, was here. The colonists were almost to a 
man a devoted band of worthy patriots. 

Sant.\ Anna. 
When, in 1824, General Santa Anna succeeded to the head of 
the Mexican government the colonists thought him honest and the 
friend of the constitution. They were not long deceived, however, 
for under him the government was oppressive and the demands 
upon colonists rapidly grew more and more unreasonable. They 
petitioncf! the govenrment in the most respectful terms, humbh 



— 6— 

praying- for relief. Their representatives, sent to present their pe- 
titions, were imprisoned. They remonstrated. Their remonstrance 
was treated with contempt and their burdens made heavier. Taxes 
were made too grievous to be borne ;" their ports were closed and 
soldiers were sent upon them with orders to take from them their 
arms — a trick of the tyrant well understood by every child of 
Ame'rica. 

The colonists recognized endurance to be a virtue ; but they also 
believed that courage and honest self reliance were not only vir- 
tues to be practiced, but might become to them a panoply and 
shield. They believed that tyrants must not be criticised at all, or 
they must be met — resisted — repelled. 

The Crisis Comes. 

Early in 1835 these suffering patriots were brought to the 
realization of the appalling fact that war or the destruction of the 
colonies was inevitable. 

Now, view the situation for a m.oment. Ask yourselves the 
question. Could the country be placed upon a war footing? Had 
the colonists a government? No! An army? No! A navy? No! 
An unorganized band of patriots, with nothing to sustain them 
but their courage. This was all. Should they flee from the ap- 
proach of the well organized, trained and cruel hosts of Mexico? 
No, they preferred to fight, and if need be, die for their rights 
rather than tamely surrender that which was guaranteed theml un- 
der their Constitution. Never did a braver band of worthy heroes 
prepare to meet a more heartless or cruel foe. Their greatest 
weakness in this awful hour was want of organization. They were 
good marksmen, inured to hardships, but had been too busy mak- 
mg homes to organize for war. Hastily the frame work of govern- 
ment was attempted and officers were selected to administer it. 
Sam Houston was made commander in chief of the army — to be. 

Much danger was feared from the Cherokee Indians, as the 
enemy would doubtless undertake to effect an alliance with them 
and incite them to acts of violence against the colonies. It was 
thought to be absolutely essential that Houston, in person, ac- 



company a commission which was sent to treat with them. He 
knew them, they knew and trusted him. He went. A friendly 
treaty was conchided between them and the colonies, and Hous- 
ton hurried back to the work of organizing the army. He had 
not the time necessary to such a task, for the war was already upon 
them. little bands of patriots were scattered here and there for 
purposes of defense. Each Texan exercising his own judgment as 
to where he could do the most good. 

San Antonio De Bexar. 

San Antonio was destined to become a battle ground where the 
strength, the courage and endurance of both armies must be tested. 
Already two battles had been fought and an efifort must be made 
to guard San Antonio. 

Conception. 

The battle of Conception was fought October 28, 1835, near 
the Mission of that name, about two miles from San Antonio. 
Austin was in command of the Texas troops. Bowie, Fannin and 
Burleson were there. Led by these dauntless spirits the Texans, 
less than 100 strong, met in the open field and repulsed more 
than four times their number. The battle was fierce and lasted but 
a few minutes. The Mexican loss was very heavy — almost equal- 
ing the entire force of Texans. Th© Texans lost one man, the gal- 
lant Richard Andrews. He fell mortally wounded and his last 
words were, "Tell them to conquer or die." This was the spirit 
of the whole Texas force, as the sequel will show. Jn this battle 
the Mexican army had not only the advantage of numbers and 
equipments, but their presence was a complete surprise to the 
Texans. They had quietly approached in the night- time, had se- 
lected their ground, and supported by a double fortified brass 
cannon, opened fire upon the colonists without warning. Do you 
isk how it can be possibly, that under such circumstances there 
should he such disparity of loss between the contesting armies? 
The reason is this : The Mexican army was a machine with in- 
telligence to obey orders, but wath little individual interest or 
enthusiasm, whilst every Texan was a determined patriot, fighting 
for a principle dearer to him than life itself. 



Storming of Bexar. 

The battle of Conception was but the prehide to that bloody and 
lemarkable contest known as the storming of Bexar. This heroic 
struggle began on the 5th day of December, 1835. As before stated 
there really had been no organization of the Texas army. It con- 
sisted of volunteers who camt- and went at will. The misfortune of 
such conditions cannot be thoroughly comprehended, except by 
the tramed military mind. For the want of a commanding head 
with power to formulate and carry into effect one certain policy, 
much precious time must be lost, for every' man had' his own opin- 
ion and claimed the right to exercise it. At this critical juncture 
all. agreed that the city of San Antonio must be taken. It was a 
Mexican stronghold and must be broken up. They disagreed, 
however, as to the modus operandi. On the morning of this event- 
ful day, a star — a star of the first magnitude, appeared. The 
glory of this welcome luminary was shown forth in the person of 
Col. Ben R. Milam. He had for many days been on a scouting ex- 
pedition to the westward and knew the movements and intentions 
of the Mexicans. He instantly comprehended the gravity of the 
situation and the pressing necessity for immediate, united action 
upon the part of the Texans. Without hesitation, without discus- 
sion, without criticism of any man's plan, or doubt of any man's 
patriotism (please do not forget that every man in the Texas 
ranks was an unfettered, freeman), and with a heart overflowing 
with patriotic fervor, he drew his unsullied sword, and with the 
glittering blade marked a line upon the ground. Then, standing 
before a divided but patriotic, courageous band, with noble mien 
and heaving breast, he cried out in the voice and tone of one born 
to lead : "Who wilt follozo old Ben Milam f" 

The effect was electric — overpowering. Not a man hesitated ; 
thrilled and inspired, in less than one minute's time 300 dauntless 
Texans had stepped across that line, determined to storm and take 
the city or die in the attempt. 

Sublimely courageous, Milam was the conquering hero of that 
eventful hour — an hour pregnant with peril, yea, with the issues 
of destiny itself! The contest which followed pictures upon the 



— y— 

scroll of time the everlasting- praise of those who so courageously 
met and conquered a most unequal foe ; for with only 300 men, a 
protected city, defended by over five times as many well trained 
and well equipped troops, was captured in a most sanguinary five 
days' battle. 

On the third day of that awful struggle Texas and the world 
lost heavily. Sad am I to tell you, and gloomy is the page of his- 
tory which records it, that on that day, whilst making his way to 
the position occupied by Col. Johnson, presumably for the purpose 
of consulting that officer, the noble Milam was struck and instant- 
ly killed by a Mexican bullet. May his micmory ever be revered by 
us, the beneficiaries of his sublime courage. (His body lies in an 
unmarked grave in the Protestant cemetery in San Antonio), Col. 
Johnson, in his report of that bittle, bestows merited praise upon 
the illustrious hero, Milam, in this language. He says : "The mem- 
ory of Col. Ben R. Milam, the leader of this daring and success- 
ful attack, deserves to be cherished by every patriotic bosom in 
Texas.'" Gen. Burleson, in his report of this battle says: "The gal- 
lant leader of the storming party fell gloriously the third day, 
and his memory will be dear to Texas as long as there exists a 
grateful heart to feel or a friend of liberty to lament his loss." 
(His grave has been neglected. Speak it softly, for to every true 
Texan its recital and remembrance are attended with painful hu- 
miliation.) 

Is there a response from the friends of liberty, as predicted by 
Burleson ? 

My friends, in pirt the answer to this pertinent, this timely, 
this solemn question must come from you. 

Not only Texas, but Kentucky, which was the land of his birth, 
as well as almost the entire Mississippi valley, where he was 
known and loved, mourned the death of Milam. He sought not 
glory, "Yet the future years will weave their laurels and shed for 
him their tears." 

This battle freed Texas for a short time from the threatening 
presence of the Mexican army. But the colonists knew tlie.end was 
not vet. Thev had iM-come acquainted with Mexican character. 



— JO— 

and knew the critical period had not yet been reached. They be- 
lieved the existing quiet was but the calm which preceeds the 
storm. 

Trouble Ahead. 

The colonists were closely watching the movements of the 
Mexican government. Every effort possible had been made for 
an honorable adjustment of their differences with that govern- 
ment. They much desired peace; but they knew it was war and 
nothing- but war, or pick up bodily and abandon their homes and 
their adopted country. They had no assurance that they would 
even be allowed to leave, for they felt that the Mexican govern- 
ment would prefer their destruction to their return to the mother 
country. Already the note of their destruction had been sounded, 
and its solemn warning had sank deep into their hearts. Their 
chains had been forged to the satisfaction of the oppressor. The 
people of this threatened land, in conjunction with their trusted 
leaders, keenly felt their impending danger. 

Santa Anna having succeeded to the head of the government of 
Mexico, had cast off the mask of pretended friendship for the 
Americans in Texas, and was now cruel, haughty and vindictive. 
His infamous purpose was now understood by the colonists ; and 
i.t was felt that his minions must be met and defeated or these set- 
tlements must disappear like stubble before the flames. 

Almost without organization and with nothing better than a 
toddling defacto government, the people of Texas must defend 
themselves against overwhelming odds or be forever ruined. This 
stupendous fact hung over them like a deadly pall. The gloom 
which enveloped them was impenetrable. The newly orp^anized 
government being imperfect — it still being in the formative period 
and therefore weak — each citizen felt that he must follow the dic- 
tates of his own judgment. He went where he pleased. 

Effects of the Battle of Bexar. 

The battle of Bexar had much to do with shaping the move- 
ments of both Mexico and the colonists. The Texans understood 
the surpassing importance of h.olding San Antonio and the Mexi- 
cans were bent on retaking it. Henry Smith, the provisional gov- 



—11— 

ernor. General Houston. Wharton, Jack and others were doing 
everything in their power to concentrate the Texas forces at the 
strongest points, so as to check if possible the certain advance of 
Santa Anna's army. Oh, for a sufificient time to prepare to meet 
the foe. But time was sadly wanting. Fannin undertook the pro- 
tection and defense of Copano and Goliad, while Travis, accom- 
panied by Bowie and'a faithful little band of their followers, re- 
paired to San Antonio. Houston was doing the all important work 
of trying to place the colonies on a footing for effective defense, 
with all the energy of his sanguine nature. His was a great mind. 
Santa Anna had styled himself "the Napoleon of the West." 
Houston might well have been styled "The Lion-hearted Son of 
Freedom." His blood was iron. His soul w^as towering and grand. 
Broad in gauge, clear of vision, swift in judgment, every inch a 
so-dier and a patriot, he stood to the work which had been as- 
signed him, and for the cause in which he had enlisted, like a 
giant rock. 

Would you be willing I should pause to recount more of the 
difficulties under which he labored as commander in chief of the 
Texas forces ? The half I could not tell for want of time. But you 
will remember there were no railroads or telegraphs in Texas in 
those days. There were but few well defined and well beaten trails 
and no finished highways. There were no adequate ferries at the 
crossings of rivers and bayous. The population of the country was 
sparse and badly scattered. The frontier to be guarded was exten- 
sive and a constant lookout must be kept to guard against maraud- 
ing Comanche and other savage Indian tribes. The safest and 
swiftest mode of travel was upon the back of a Mexican pony. 
With this brave, liberty-loving people, however, difficulties must 
not become obstacles to resistance. The people were involved in a 
life and death struggle to maintain liberty, and with all his skill 
as a matchless leader, Houston knew that in the last analysis of 
conditions the individul intelligence and courage of his men were 
the only reliance. Hence a direct, individual appeal was made to 
every man able to bear arms. 

Willing to Meet the Issues. 

Convinced by the unanswerable argument of existing facts that 



■ ■ — - ' —lo- 

ci most bloody struggle could not longer be averted, the immortal 
words of Patrick Henry seemed to ring in their ears and the col- 
onists in unison seemed to cry out "war is inevitable, and let it 
come ; I repeat it, let it come." 

Every man who could, prepared to go to the front. The women, 
with a self-sacrificing heroism known only to such as they, took 
charge of the homes,' farms and herds, and with tears in their eyes, 
but courage in their souls, bid their husbands and sons to go to 
battle. 

Many boys of tender age entered the patriot ranks to meet a 
foe vastly superior to them in numbers and equipment, and which 
foe was known to be nanting for their blood. The world should 
pause in adoration of such courage ! A climax of greatness is here 
evolved for the admiration of mankind, in the heroism thus dis- 
played., 

Many of the men had been away from home for months and 
were almost naked. They appealed to the newly organized govern- 
ment for money, clothing and supplies. The treasury was empty. 
No, not empty — it had none ; a calamity almost insurn.iountable, 
and which would perhaps have proved disastrous to any other 
people except the pioneers of Texas. About all the Texas govern- 
ment could furnish its troops was ammunition, and not enough of 
that. 

The Women Appealed to. 

The men at the front and in the camps appealed to the women. 
Woman never fails to hear a call made in the interest of humanity. 
In their noble bosoms the strong cords of patriotism were vibrat- 
ing in unison with the silken threads of love, and they instantly 
came to the rescue. They spun, they wove, they knit, they cut their 
own garments and blankets and prepared articles of raiment for 
the needy nien. 

An Unselfish Struggle. 

The impending struggle upon the part of the Texans was not 
a selfish struggle. It is true the fate of home and family was hang- 
ing in the balance. But their love of those was transcended by a 
nobler and grander love, comprehending mankind itself. Now 



—13— 

listen! Dr. Archer, in an address, had used this language: "Let 
us remind you that the eyes of the world are upon us. That bat- 
tling as we are against the despotism of a military chieftain, all 
true friends of the liberties of man are anxious spectators of the 
contiict. Let us give evidence that we are true descendants of that 
band of heroes who sustained an eight years' war against tyranny 
and oppression to give liberty to the world. Let our achievements 
be such that the mother country when she reads the bright page 
that records them, shall proudly and joyfully "exclaim, 'These are 
my sons ; their heroic deeds mark them at such.' " 

Again, the great Houston said : "The morning of glory has 
dawned upon us. The work of liberty has begun. Our actions are 
to become a part of the history of the world. Patriot millions will 
sympathize with, and whole nations will admire our struggle." This 
sp>irit, my friends, seems to have pervaded every camp, every 
home and every heart. Their love of liberty compassed the whole 
world." 

Clouds Gathering.'' 

Thick and fast the lurid clouds were now gathering. The ene- 
my was approaching with clanking chains and renewed threats 
of complete destruction. The instruments of death were in their 
hands. They carried a banner that told in tones of thunder that 
Texas was to be drenched in blood. Everywhere the shock of bat- 
tle must be felt ! Texas was fairly rocking under the appalling 
weight of threatened destruction ! How could the heavy, cruel hand 
of the enemy be stayed ? 

Leonidas had stood in the pass with his Spartan band and op- 
posing the hosts of Xerxos, had left an example of intrepid hero- 
ism which the world had agreed was without a parallel. 

A little band of untrained Texans would meet, and, if possible, 
hold in clieck the coming hosts of Mexico, led by the despot, Santa 
Anna. 

Travis, in command of but a handful of sturdy Texans, was at 
San Antonio, worn and tired. "Davy" Crockett, the model man, 
the dashing, courageous soldier, the musician and the humorist, 
as he stood around the camp fire, amused the men with his quaint 



'■• / —14— ^ 

stones and charmed them with the music of his vioHn, thus "be- 
guiUng- the weary hours with song and jest." But nevertheless, 
the days wore heavily with them. Only 151 in number, they sadly 
needed and ardently hoped for reinforcements. 

Oh, that the wings of time could be stilled until help, yet so far 
away, could arrive, because on this ground there must occur a 
mighty struggle. The world was about to be surprised and 
shocked ! Shocked at supreme brutality on the one hand, and sur- 
prised at supremely resplendent courage, inspired by pure patriot- 
ism, upon the other ! 

Time, however, was rapidly flying. January had come and 
gone. February, '36, was here. Amid the budding branches of 
the scattering trese the warble of the song-bird could now be 
heard. The growing grass was sweetly humming, and beauty 
was returning in hues of delicate, peaceful green to the throbbing 
expanse of outstretched prairie ; but the hidden dagger of fate 
was concealed in the cheerful robes of approaching spring. 

The Texas farmer should be at his plow ; but his plow was 
standing still. The birds were nesting in his fields unmolested by 
him — he was not there. His business was in another field — the 
field of honor. His country needed and had called him. He 
had heard her voice and felt that he had a solemn and an awful 
duty to perform. Would he be equal to the perilous task now 
confronting him? Not if he should tremble! Not if dismay 
should seize him and any should falter by the wayside ! Oh ! for 
a people capable of withstanding the shock of battle undismayed 
by the awful tragedy impending! 

A Messenger. 

A messenger from the West brings the news to the colonies 
that Santa Anna is approaching San Antonio at the head of a 
large Mexican army. Travis and his little patriot band stood firm I 
Bowie was there! Crockett, Johnson, Bonham and Burleson 
were there ! One hundred and fifty-one men were there, pledged to 
guard her gates and defend her citadel. 

They had a scant supply of provisions and ammunition, but 
were abundantly surcharged with the spirit of patriotism. 



—15— 

What must be done? An army of 5000 strong threatened 
them. They might sound a retreat and protect themselves, but 
then what would become of the colonies? This was the moment- 
ous question which liad been i"i:opounded to the little army which 
I'.ad taken refuge in the Alamo! No man was bound to stay 
there ! Every man was free ! If assistance should come, the 
garrison might sustain itself ; if not, to stay and fight meant 
death ! On the 1st day of March Captain Albert Martin, with 
thirty-two men, slipped through the Mexican lines and deliber- 
ately entered the Alamo to share the fortune and the fate of 
those who were beleaugued there. 

Place a great responsibility upon a great man or a great people 
and one all-important question presents itself, viz : What is my 
duty? Personal safety, ease, gain — all these must surrender to 
duty's call. In this case Bowie had declarecl, "Public safety de- 
mands our lives rather than surrender this fort !" And to him 
duty was law. Travis had said, "Without a footing here the 
enemy can do nothing." Feeling thus, and thus inspired, these 
patriots had pledged themselves, each to the other to hold this 
fort or die ! 

Travis sends out a message saying : "I am beseiged ! The 
enemy have demanded our surrender at discretion ! I have an- 
swered with a cannon shot ! I shall never surrender or retreat ! 
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die 
like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor or 
that of his country. Victory or death !" Travis, towering match- 
less hero ; thy name shall be immortal ! 

To a friend he wrote : "Take care of my little boy ; if I' should 
live I will be able to make him a fortune ; if not, he will have the 
satisfaction of knowing his father died for his country." 

The Bombardment. 

On the 21st of February Santa Anna opened upon the Alamo 
with his artillery, and for thirteen days and nights kept up a 
constant bombardment of the fort. What a strain upon the minds 
and bodies of the beleaguered Texans! No rest for them night 
or day! The fort with its battlements was not strong. The 



— IG— 

artillery of the enemy was weakening their position day by day. 
Within they were bending every energy and straining every 
muscle to strengthen the works. That blood red flag waving 
over the old cathedral told them in language solemn and cruel of 
the bloody work intended. 

The suspense of the beseiged men was awful. Their supply of 
ammunition was too limited to allow them to waste a single load. 
Not a shot from within must be lost. They indulged a half- 
formed hope that assistance might arrive before exhaustion 
should overcome them, or the fort give way — a hope which per- 
ished in its formation. 

The Last Struggle. 

The Mexicans made their final and last attack upon the totter- 
ing fort at dawn, Sunday morning, March 6th, A. D. 1830. At 
the first sound of the bugle on the outside every man in the fort 
(except Col. Bowie), was (^n his feet. Bowie was lying on a cot 
i.nabie to stand, but he grasped his t»-usty pistol and prepared to sell 
liis life as dearly as possible. Simultaneously upon all sides of the 
old fort a most ferocious attack was made, whilst the band at the 
battery immediately south of the Alamo, where Santa Anna had 
taken his stand, sounded the deadly degncllo! No quarter! No 
quarter! The Texans met the attack with absolute coolness, and 
for two hours there raged such a battle as never raged before. 
Never did men fight as the Texans fought that morning! They 
had solemnly pledged themselves that when the enemy stormed 
the fortress, they zvouhl kill thcui as they came, kill them as they 
scaled the zvalls, kill thou as they leaped 'within, kill th-cm as^ 
they raised their iveapons and as they used than, and continue to 
kill them as long as one of ihenv should lire. 

As to how they kept their pledge let the world be the judge. 
Confined in so small a compass, fighting at such a disadvantage 
against a foe which outnumbers them nearly 50 to 1, it is impos- 
sible to understand how they were enabled to inflict such fearful 
punish.ment upon their antagonists. In two hours they were all 
dead, and ITjOO Mexican soldiers lay dead or wounded at their 
hands. With what deadly precision they must have aimed their 



—17— 

shots! As to just how this unparalleled feat of aestruction was 
accomplished can never be known. But that it was done, can 
admit of no doubt. On the part of the Texans not a word was 
spoken. Every man knew his duty and his doom. His last act 
was the oift of his -ife to save his country. 

Thus, my friends, fell the Alamo ! And in its defense and fall 
there is exhibited to the world an example of unselfish patriotism, 
unyielding fortitude and dauntless courage never before or since 
surpassed, and I do not believe the royal domain of tragedy itself 
has furnished a single example to compare with it. 

"Thermopyle had her messenger of defeat, but the xAlamo had 
none," has been eloquently said and the phrase will go sounding 
down the aisles of time throughout the coming ages. 

Our Duty. 

Shall that spot be held sacred ? Shall it stand as a roclc upon 
the shores of time, whose sun-capped summit shall emit an ever- 
lasting light to lead and inspire the spirit of patriotism in all 
ages and parts of the world, or shall it be forgotten? 

O, commercialism ! Hide thy face in shame at the thought of ap- 
propriating these hallowed grounds for private gain ! Shall the 
monument in honor of Bunker Hill become a billboard and the 
Alamo be desecrated for purposes of speculation ? God forbid it ! 
Those who died there sought not revenge, renown or their own 
glory"; thein names shall never perish, but will, like so many stars, 
bestud the very skies of history's celestial vault, with ever increas- 
ing lustre as the years roll by. 

Now, let us turn our attention to what was taking place else- 
where in Texas at about this time. A large Mexican force, under 
General Urrea was advancing on Goliad by way of Copano and 
Refugio, capturing and massacreing as they went. Col. J. W. 
Fannin was in command of a noble little band of 4 16 men at 
Goliad. On hearing of the fall of the Alamo, Houston ordered 
Fannin to retreat toward Victoria. He accordingly did so, but 
before he reached Victoria he was overtaken by a very superior 
force under General Urrea, was surrounded in the open prairie 



-18— 

and after himself bein^ severely wounded and losing a number of 
his men, was forced to capitulate. The terms of surrender were 
honorable and he and his men were taken back to Goliad as pris- 
oners of war, under a solemn promise that they would be treated 
as such. They were confined in La Bahia, the only mission there, 
for about a week. On Saturday night before tbeir expected 
liberation the next day, they sat up late talking of their separation 
and home-going on the morrow. At a very early hour next 
morning, which was Palm Sunday, they were aroused. This was 
March 27th, Just 21 days after the fall of the Alamo. Before it 
was yet light, they were marched from the prison in three dififer- 
ent squads, each going in a different direction. About one-half 
mile distant from the fort each squad discovered heavy lines of 
soldiers. Without warning to the prisoners, the signal to fire 
was given and in an instant they were being shot down like that 
many wolves, huddled together without even a chance to run for 
their lives. In less than one minue's time 390 imsuspecting. 
brave, but helpless men were murdered in cold blood. A few es- 
caped, a few had been carried to the Mexican camps and were 
saved. This brutal massacre was a reproach to civilization and 
an ineffceable stain upon the escutcheon of the Nation which had 
ordered it. 

Awful as it was to contemplate the horrors of such a war, the 
patriots did not tremble. Notwithstanding the fearful decimation 
of their numbers by those cruel butcheries, they were determined 
to free Texas from the curse of Mexican domination and present 
her to the powers of the world, a free and independent Nation, 
or all would die. This question they had settled. 

Encouraged by the fact of victory, Santa Anna rushed forward 
bent on the swift destruction of the remaining colonies. ' His ob- 
ject was not to conquer, but destroy — annihilate. 

But there was a lion in the despot's pathway. A David had 
been sent to meet Goliath. Houston, the lofty patriot, the cour- 
ageous military genius, was making every eflfort to meet and 
crush the foe. Santa Anna's army was composed of courageous, 
well trained and well equipped men, and he believed himself in- 



—19— 

vincible. Having styled himself the "Napoleon of the West," 
of course he was very sure he deserved the honor thus conferred, 
and expected proudly to maintain it. But Houston, with his 
eagle vision was surveying" everv foot of ground before him. On 
the 23rd of March he wrote : "For forty-eight hours I have nut 
eaten an ounce, nor have 1 slept." On the 29th of the same month 
he wrote : "Many want me to go below ; many want me to go 
above. I have consulted no one. If I err the blame is mine." 

Great Soul ! The weight and fate of his country seemed to 
rest upon him. The day and the hour were near. Could 78o 
men meet the conquering hosts of Mexico? Moving forward 
Santa Anna had crossed Vince's Bayou and was now near the 
mouth of the San Jacinto river. 

San Jacinto! Thy name is about to emerge from obscurity. 
It is about to become the synonym of victory ; about to be written 
in heroic deeds of knightly valor across the firmament of hope ; 
to be read, remembered and admired whilst gallantry and courage 
have a place in the esteem of men. On April the 19th Houston 
wrote : "This morning we are in preparation to meet Santa 
Anna, It is the only chance of saving Texas." On the same 
morning he paraded his troojis. In a short address he told them 
exactly where the Mexican army was and that General Santa 
Anna himself was in command ; that it was his intention to at- 
tack the foe and that if any man shrank from the contest he need 
not cross the bayou. That some must necessarilv perish ; but 
that it was glorious to die in such a cause — the cause of liberty. 
That their slogan would be : "Remember the Alamo ! Remem- 
ber Goliad !" "To trust in God, and not to fear." Several of 
his men were sick and unable to march, but not a man who was 
able to travel faltered. Glorious is the courage of himi wdio is up- 
held by a sense of patriotic duty. The die was cast ! Texas 
must be free or forever lost ! What a responsibility now rested 
upon Houston and his little army ! But the battle, thanks to the 
God of war, is not always to the strong. 

At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, April 21, 1836, the Texas troops 
were again paraded ; every man being at his post with determina- 



' -20— 

tion reflected from his countenance, proclaiming that within each 
manly breast beat a heart which knew not defeat. The bridge 
across the bayou had been cut down and fired. For the vanquish- 
ed there was now no avenue of escape. The contending armies 
were in a pocket, so to spealc, and face to face. Beheving that 
this was the only chance of saving Texas, Houston had maneuv- 
ered with matchless skill and soldierly deliberation. The flower 
of the Mexican army was there commanded by the despotic ruler 
of that government. They were in a ring — an amphitheatre, 
contending for a prize, with the Vv^orld looking on. The Texan's 
goal was liberty. The demand, the cry of the 3ilexican army, was 
"Your life: vour life!" Freedom's cause was trembling in the 
balance! Its defenders were pitted against numbers so over- 
whelming that to any but the pioneers of Texas, it would perhaps 
have appeared hopeless. Such was their valor, their indomitable 
courage, their transcendent heroism, they never doubted. But 
hush ! The sun is nearing the western horizon. Nature is pain- 
fully at ease so intense is the stillness — a drum tap, the shrill note 
of the bugle pierces the atmosphere, simultaneously the armies 
move upon each other. A whirlwind of fire could hardly have 
been more irresistable than the Texan assault. Their deadlv 
aim was most terrible. Each patriot seemed a very blaze of de- 
structioji — an in.strument of terror. Had the furies themselevs 
been turned loose against the Mexicans, consternation in their 
ranks could not have been greater. Their lines wavered. Thev 
staggered ! But others came and were likewise paralyzed ! The 
Mexican armv seemed absolutely helpless. Such a charge! 
Such impetuous force ! Such sublime courage they had never 
witnessed, nor even dreamed of. It was as if the fiery sword 
of the avenging angel himself was waving over their heads. For 
•?0 or 30 minutes the battle raged with such indescribable fury 
as to be a very hell of destruction. With the war cry, "Remem- 
ber the Alamo ! Remember Goliad !" the Texans could not more 
be stopped than could the rushing waters of Niagara be stayed. 
Glorious victory had crowned the Texas arms ! With the close 
of that epoch-making day. the sun of Austerlitz had risen again. 



—21— 

The Napoleon of the West had fallen. The chains which had 
been forged for Texas had been broken. The republic was born. 
She became a new and independent nation, necessitating a change 
in the map of the world. Having proudly taken her place in that 
indivisible union of unconquerable states which is making the 
world truly great today, she swings back in splendor the beautiful 
Lone Star, the brightest hope, the chiefest glory, reflected from 
the world's great mirror. 

Her defenders moved the world forward one mighty stride by 
their prodigious work. They gave to Liberty a new home, to the 
sons and daughters of men a new hope and a new field wherein 
they in safety, might live and labor, warmed by nature's softest 
sunbeams and fanned by her gentlest zephyrs, for the solution of 
that, intricate, monotonous problem, the development of the high- 
er nature — the terrestrial perfection of man. 

My countrymen ! think of this unequal contest. Weigh the 
value of patriotism: and count the cost of liberty, if you can. Who 
were the patriots who so gloriously immolated themselves upon 
the blood-stained altar of their country ? Let their names be col- 
lected, let them be written on imperishable substance, and pre- 
served inviolate within Fame's sacred vault. 

The Alamo! The Alamo! Its defenders believed their lives 
were a necessary sacrifice to save their country. Its lesson is 
perhaps the world's greatest moral wonder. Sublime was its de- 
fense and most tragic was its fall ; but through the blood of its 
heroes the oppressor marched to his Waterloo. Statesmanship 
should have redeemed and local pride should have beautified those 
blood-bought grounds and presented them, a free gift to the world 
to be held in trust forever in honor of the immortal heroes whose 
last will and testament was written in their own blood, sealed with 
the seal of life itself and laid upon Liberty's altar. 

Each rock in the walls of that old temple is to every friend of 
liberty a priceless jewel. Every footprint made upon those 
grounds by the heroes who died in its defense, is a sacred picture 
upon the bending arch of time. 



-22— 

Every atom of dust reddened by the sacrificial bolod of those 
patriots is a priceless ruby. 

The flames that lit that funeral pyre sent up a holy light which 
should be an inspiration to patriotism whilst the sun shall bright- 
en the world by day and the stars bedeck the heavens by night. 

Let us tell the story ! Tell it often ! Tell it to our children 
and our children's children ! Tell it to the world, that its glory 
may never fade and its name be ne'er forgotten. 

My countrymen ! My countrymen ! The voice of patriotism 
is calling. Is there within us a responsive chord? Are the sac- 
rifices, are the lives and death of our immortal heroes known and 
understood ? Let us rally around those altars and lay thereon the 
wreathes of our afifection. Let the gratitude of our hearts be 
freely poured out there, for the very ground which drank their 
blood is, and ever will be, sacred to every friend of liberty. 

A question, a great and solemn question, is propounded to you 
and me. Are we ready? If so what shall the answer be? Will 
duty's call be heard bv us, or have our sordid ears grown deaf? 

The question is. shall the ground which drank the blood of 
the defenders of the Alamo be held sacred and be preserved to 
the future in memory of those who bought it and paid for it with 
their blood, or shall it be abandoned to avarice ; turned over with 
our approval to be exploited by the speculator in his mercenary 
race for gold? 

Oh, greedy spirit of commercialism ! How can you, how dare 
you traffic in the blood of patriots ? Had I the power of Llercules 
I would wrest from the muttering storm cloud a fiery bolt, and 
would hurl that bolt with such dynamic force against that irrev- 
erent band as to sweep them from the ground they would encum- 
ber. 

O, men and women of Texas ; from the mountain to the sea, 
from the Red to the Rio Grande, from the nestling valleys 
and pine-clad hills of the east, to the waving prairies of the great 
west; I call upon you to act well your part. Deeds of heroism 



—23— 

are not confined to the bloody field of war; but may belong to 
the realms of peace as well. Neglect not your duty or this op- 
portunity. Could I, I would redeem those sacred grounds. I 
would build thereon a temple whose beauty should charm the 
world ; its dome, beset with diamonds, would blaze in triumph by 
day, and sweetly answer the twinkle of the stars by night in 
crystal scintillation of their reflected light. Upon the polished 
surface of those beauteous walls I would 'grave the names of those 
who died there "with adamantine pen." 

In that temple I would erect an altar: on that altar I would 
place a book ; that book should be a roll of honor ; and in that 
book I would preserve the names of those who contributed to the 
redemption of those grounds and the erection of that temple. In 
that book I would request the honor of writing my name. That 
temple should be dedicated to the cause of Liberty, to whose faith- 
ful sons and daughters its doors should stand ajar, until the 
mighty mountain shall crumble and history be buried in oblivion. 



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